CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing the boundaries of display technology. Key trends included the continued dominance of QD-OLED, advancements in mini-LED, escalating refresh rates and resolutions, and the rise of smart monitors.
QD-OLED's Continued Reign and Increased Accessibility:
QD-OLED technology remained a prominent feature, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in warranties and protective features. The emergence of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, and even a 1440p 500Hz option (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50), highlights the impressive advancements. Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG, automatically dims the screen when the user is absent, further mitigating burn-in risks. While initial pricing remains high, future price drops are anticipated as the technology matures.
Mini-LED: A Viable Contender:
Mini-LED technology, while not as prevalent, showed promise. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more affordable QD-OLED alternative, features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities, despite some skepticism surrounding its AI-driven dual-mode, make it a compelling option. The absence of burn-in risk and potential for high brightness and contrast, with sufficient dimming zones, could make it a strong competitor if pricing remains competitive.
Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:
The combination of improved QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz monitors are now a reality, along with 1440p 500Hz options (Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification). MSI even revived TN panels, showcasing the MPG 242R X60N with a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate, although with trade-offs in color and viewing angles. The arrival of 5K monitors (Acer Predator XB323QX, LG's "5K2K" ultrawide models) marks another significant leap, with LG offering bendable displays (Ultragear 45GX990A). Even a 6K monitor for creators (Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) was showcased.
Smart Monitors Blur the Lines Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:
Smart monitors, offering built-in streaming services and other smart features, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA, and Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor (with neural processing and 4K OLED) exemplify this trend. While not all were explicitly gaming-focused, the growing popularity suggests a continued expansion in this area.
Conclusion:
CES 2025 demonstrated a significant advancement in gaming monitor technology. The year promises even more impressive displays than 2024, offering a wide range of choices to suit various needs and budgets. The future of gaming monitors looks bright, literally and figuratively.
